Technical Tips
Audio is Key:
If you have a microphone (for instance, an earbud with attached microphone), use it. If you don’t have a microphone, make sure you aren’t covering the built-in mic as you record. Having a reasonably quiet space will help the sound a lot.
Light the Face:
Backlit video will make you into a silhouette. Try to find a nice, even light source, but preferably out of direct sunlight. North-facing windows are best!
Landscape Offers Flexibility, But…
Recording video in landscape orientation gives us the greatest flexibility to use the video in the most place, but people consume vertical videos at a faster rate than other forms of content on social media.
Look into the Camera:
If you’re recording yourself, it’s natural to look at yourself on your screen, but then you’re looking to the side of the camera. Use the screen to make sure you are visible, but then once you start recording look into the camera.
Steady Does It:
If you have something against which you can lean your phone, do so. Otherwise, resting your arm or hand on/against a table, wall or (north) window frame will help you to hold steady. Many newer cameras help stabilize the image as well which also helps.
Clean Backdrop:
To the best of your ability, try to have a background that is reasonably free of distractions. This is less important than making sure faces are lit, but if your grandkids are watching cartoons on the TV that can be seen in the background, that’s probably not best practices.
Video Storytelling Tips
- Video dominates online activity and social networks like Facebook and Instagram prioritize video
- Hook ’em at the start with the key message. Capture your audience’s attention with the first seconds or slide, then follow a concise narrative to keep their attention.
- Keep it short – generally less than 30 seconds. Text should enhance the storytelling but generally keep it short.
- Format for the platform – vertically (9:16 aspect ratio) for Stories, Reels and TikTok. Keep in mind that Instagram uses all videos posted in the feed on Reels. Facebook and Instagram now prefer 4:5 aspect ratio over 1:1 for in-feed posts and 9:16 for reels/stories.
- Consider sound – music and sound can convey emotion and is essential on TikTok and Reels. Include subtitles for those watching with the sound off.
Sharing Your Videos
LLI wants to share your content on our social media! Are you interested in sharing your videos? Videos can be uploaded to Videos and Photos LLI Classes Google Drive folder.
Learn how to upload your files to Google Drive on iPhone and iPad or Android.
If you have questions, reach out to the LLI office at lli@uwgb.edu.